Shows
Lessons from the CouchA Lifetime of Mindfulness with Carl HamptonClick here to view the episode transcript.
Carl Hampton is a seasoned psychotherapist, community leader, and supervisor at the Family Institute at Northwestern University. With over four decades of experience spanning criminal justice, rehabilitation, mental health, and private practice, Carl brings a deep well of wisdom, humility, and presence to his work. He is known for his lifelong commitment to mindfulness, relational attunement, and fostering authentic human connection, both in therapy rooms and supervision spaces.In this episode, Carl shares stories from his early days working in prisons and victim advocacy to his current work...
2025-08-2740 min
Lessons from the CouchStanding in Your Purpose with Nancy TarttClick here to view the episode transcript.
Nancy Tartt, LMFT, is a therapist, leader, and founder of Inspirational Synergy, a practice rooted in helping individuals, couples, and families live authentically. With nearly a decade at Live Oak Chicago and a long-standing career in higher education at UIC, Nancy brings a unique blend of organizational leadership and therapeutic depth to her work. Her practice is grounded in feminist, relational, narrative, and emotionally focused therapy, and she is especially passionate about attachment theory and the role it plays in our healing and connection. Through her initiative Sojourner Speak, she...
2025-07-3027 min
Lessons from the CouchLearning to Love Our Parts with Chris AguirreClick here to view the episode transcript.
Chris Aguirre is a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who brings over a decade of experience working with individuals, couples, and families. Based in Illinois and trained at Northwestern University, Chris blends clinical expertise with a warm, down-to-earth approach that makes clients feel truly seen. His work draws from a variety of modalities, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, self-awareness, and personal growth. Whether supporting clients through anxiety, life transitions, family stress, or identity exploration, Chris shows up with humility, humor, and a deep respect for each person’s un...
2025-07-0939 min
Lessons from the CouchRelational Healing and Complex Trauma with Angelica MaganaClick here to view the episode transcript.
Angelica Magana is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over a decade of experience supporting individuals and couples through complex trauma, attachment wounds, and relational challenges. Her work is grounded in attunement, depth, and a deep respect for the protective mechanisms people develop in response to pain. With clinical roots in Chicago, Angelica has since practiced in California, New York, and now the Netherlands, where she continues to see clients internationally. She draws from a range of modalities including EMDR, IFS, and somatic experiencing, integrating body-based and relational approaches...
2025-06-2639 min
Lessons from the CouchKink and BDSM in Therapy with Jake PenrodClick here to view the episode transcript.
Jake Penrod (he/him, they/them) is a Couple and Family Therapist at Live Oak who specializes in working with queer and kinky clients, as well as those in non-monogamous relationships. His work is deeply informed by both personal and professional immersion in these communities. In addition to their clinical work, Jake hosts the podcast I Hate James Dobson alongside our colleague Brooke, where they explore the harms of evangelical culture, particularly its messages around parenting, queerness, and morality.In this episode, we sit down with Jake...
2025-06-1137 min
Lessons from the CouchHigh Conflict Couples with Farrah WalkerClick here to view the episode transcript.
Farrah Walker is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and the founder of Enriched Living Counseling, where she provides care to high-conflict couples, interracial and interfaith partnerships, and African-American women. She is dually licensed in Illinois and Michigan and serves as the President-Elect of the Illinois Affiliation of Marriage and Family Therapists. With a background in criminal justice and social services, Farrah brings a grounded, pragmatic, and compassionate presence to both her clinical and supervisory work. She is also a clinical manager for The Restorative Project and a passionate...
2025-05-2137 min
Lessons from the CouchSeason 2 of Lessons from the Couch!Click here to view the episode transcript.
We are back with a new season of Lessons from the Couch! Tune in to hear co-hosts, Corina and Mariana, chat to various therapists about their areas of knowledge and expertise, and their journeys to finding these.
2025-05-2001 min
Lessons from the CouchFrom Perfectionism to Presence: Reflections Between Co-HostsClick here to view the episode transcript.
In this special episode, co-hosts Corina and Mariana step away from guest interviews and sit down for an open conversation with each other. They reflect on the lessons learned throughout the season—from navigating leadership roles to healing from perfectionism—and share how hosting the podcast has changed them both personally and professionally. Together, they explore the power of slowing down, staying grounded in connection, and growing alongside community. This rare co-host chat offers an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the evolution happening off the mic and closes out the season with...
2025-04-3041 min
Lessons from the CouchStanding in Your Truth with Chaazé P. RobertsClick here to view the episode transcript.
Chaazé P. Roberts, LMFT, is a licensed therapist with over 16 years of experience at The Family Institute at Northwestern University, where he continues to serve as a clinical lecturer and supervisor. He recently launched his private practice, CPR Counseling, Ltd., and works with individuals, couples, families, adolescents, and groups. Chaazé is especially passionate about adolescent and men’s issues, life transitions, and culturally responsive therapy. His global travels and experience with cross-cultural and international clients deeply inform his work, with a particular commitment to serving the African American community.
2025-04-0937 min
Lessons from the CouchEmbodied Trust with Jordan DunmeadClick here to view the episode transcript.
Jordan Dunmead (she/they) is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at Live Oak Chicago, where they provide therapy, supervision, and training for other clinicians. Their work centers on supporting gender-, sexually-, and relationally diverse clients, particularly those navigating sexual trauma and family-of-origin challenges. Jordan is dedicated to creating affirming, trauma-informed spaces that honor identity, lived experience, and healing through an intersectional, anti-oppressive lens.In this episode, Jordan joins Corina and Mariana for a conversation about the evolving nature of therapy and the ways identity shapes both therapeutic...
2025-03-1237 min
Lessons from the CouchBreaking the Mold with Humza MalikClick here to view the episode transcript.
Humza Malik is a psychotherapist and Founders’ Fellow at Live Oak Chicago. He holds an MA in Social Work from the University of Chicago and specializes in working with LGBTQ+ clients, those exploring cultural upbringing, and identity development. As a queer, transmasculine, neurodivergent and South Asian therapist, Humza integrates holistic practices like tarot and astrology to create a compassionate space for self-discovery.In this episode, Humza joins Corina and Mariana for an honest conversation about the realities of being a mental health professional. He discusses navigating identity an...
2025-02-2640 min
Lessons from the CouchLove, Healing & Community with Alissa CatiisClick here to view the episode transcript.
Alissa Catiis, LCSW, RYT, PMH-C, is a Chicago-based therapist specializing in trauma, perinatal mental health, and the intersection of mental well-being and social justice. With a background in yoga and somatic healing, she integrates body-centered approaches to therapy. Passionate about working with BIPOC and immigrant communities, Alissa brings warmth, cultural humility, and deep expertise to her work. She is a therapist at Live Oak Chicago and a dedicated advocate for mental health accessibility.In this episode, Mariana and Corina chat with Alissa Catiis about her journey in mental...
2025-02-1229 min
Lessons from the CouchNavigating Power, Vulnerability & Change with Jeff LevyClick here to view the episode transcript.
Jeff Levy, LCSW, is a seasoned Chicago-based psychotherapist with over 40 years of experience, beginning as a recreation therapist for youth in foster care and later working with runaway and homeless adolescents. He was the founder of The Wingspan Project, supporting front line staff working in historically underserved and marginalized communities, and co-founder of Live Oak, Inc., which provides psychotherapy and professional training. A former adjunct faculty member at the University of Chicago and University of Illinois at Chicago, Jeff also enjoys blogging, poetry, painting, and photography.In this...
2025-02-0340 min
Lessons from the CouchEmbracing Myself as a Therapist with Misty MajorClick here to view the episode transcript.
Misty Major, founder of Journey Within LLC, is a dedicated mental health professional with a rich background in clinical leadership, including her role as the former Clinical Director at Live Oak. Originally from Inglewood, California, Misty earned her graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy in Chicago and now practices in Fort Worth, Texas, supporting individuals, families, and couples on their paths to self-discovery and healing. Her therapeutic approach, rooted in flexibility, flow, and a love ethic, emphasizes embracing all aspects of oneself.In this episode, Misty discusses the...
2025-01-1544 min2025-01-1502 min